Homeland Security, DEA investigation shuts down Redwood City street

Whipple Avenue reopened late Friday evening in Redwood City following a lengthy investigation by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Redwood City police said.

The 1300 block of Whipple Avenue had been closed in both directions since about 8:20 a.m., when federal agents first arrived.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone had been arrested today or what exactly the investigation was in regards to.

According to ICE spokesman James Schwab, the investigation is ongoing and there were no updates in the case as of this evening.

"There are people wearing protective 1/8hazardous materials 3/8 suits here but that's only as a precaution," Schwab said earlier in the day. "There's no danger to the public."

Many members of the public are not aware that ICE engages criminal investigations, according to Schwab.

"These guys are going to be a lot more active," he said. "You'll see these guys out quite a bit. They do drugs and child predators - all kinds of stuff."

When asked if there was an immigration component involved in this morning's investigation, Schwab said there is not one so far as he is aware.